It’s Officially PSL Season at Starbucks—But Their New Fall Drink Might Be Even Better
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Fall may technically be almost a month away, but Starbucks fall drinks have officially arrived. So as far as we’re concerned, there’s a detectable chill in the air, the leaves have started to turn, and our cardigans are coming out of storage. That’s right: As of Tuesday, August 24, you can order a Pumpkin Spice Latte or Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew in Starbucks stores nationwide without shame.
And I have even better news: Although Starbucks isn’t bringing back the Salted Caramel Mocha this year (gone, but never forgotten), they are introducing a brand new drink, and it tastes like a warm fall hug.
Keep reading to find out all about the best Starbucks fall drinks, as well as some recommendations for some healthier fall drink options as well as dairy-free and vegan drinks. Suggestions for Starbucks fall drinks without coffee are also here, as well as options for those who prefer to make their morning brew at home.
Apple Crisp Macchiato
You know when you’re baking an apple pie and are like, I wish my entire life could smell like this? The Apple Crisp Macchiato captures that exact feeling, plus it has coffee. I was lucky enough to sample it early, and I have to say: the Starbucks team absolutely crushed the fall vibes.
Like all macchiatos, there’s a base of steamed whole milk (or your milk of choice) with espresso shots poured slowly on top, but it also has a brown sugar apple syrup and—wait for it—caramelized-spiced apple drizzle on top. It’s available both hot or iced, but the hot version was my favorite because of the way the syrup melted into the drink. If you’re opting for non-dairy milk, go for oat milk for an optimal flavor profile.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
When it comes to fall drinks at Starbucks, the pumpkin spice latte is the G.O.A.T. Made with pumpkin spice syrup, espresso, and the steamed milk of your choice, the PSL is iconic for a reason. To make it a bit lighter, you can opt for nonfat milk—or try it iced and ask for a dollop of unsweetened cold foam instead of whipped cream. For maximum pumpkin-ness, enjoy with the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin or Pumpkin Scone, which are also back on the menu.
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
In the last couple years, the options for fall cold drinks at Starbucks has been seriously elevated. In fact, in 2020, this drink outsold the PSL—drama! The pumpkin in this bev comes from the addictive pumpkin cream cold foam, which tops off cold brew flavored with vanilla syrup. You can make changes to fit your dietary needs—request less foam, fewer pumps of syrup, or even sugar-free vanilla—but PSA: Because of the cold foam, this one sadly can’t be made vegan or dairy-free.
Cinnamon Dolce Latte
Since we can’t have PSLs all year long, the good ol’ cinnamon dolce latte is a good substitute. Not only can it be made with any alt-milk, but there’s also a version for those searching for low-calorie fall Starbucks drinks: Ask your barista to make it “skinny” (new name ideas, anyone?) with nonfat milk, sugar-free syrup, and no whip.
Pumpkin Hot Chocolate
If you’re looking for fall drinks without coffee, we nominate this off-menu option. (Who doesn’t love ordering from the Starbucks secret menu?) Made by adding a few pumps of pumpkin syrup to a standard hot chocolate (or white hot chocolate!), it tastes like fall in a cup. Like any hot chocolate, it can also be made nonfat or with non-dairy milk.
Caramel Apple Spice
It’s been on the menu for, well, ever, but some people still don’t realize you can order this tasty drink year-round. If you haven’t tried one, it’s steamed apple juice with cinnamon dolce syrup, whipped cream, and caramel sauce, and tastes like apple pie in drink form. During fall, you can also order a Caramel Apple Pumpkin Spice—a.k.a. the same drink spiked with pumpkin spice syrup. For a lower calorie drink, you could skip the whipped cream here, but tbh, it’s part of what makes it so magical. Also, note that the caramel sauce is made with dairy, so this one can’t be made dairy-free.
Chai Latte
Thankfully, the beloved chai latte is also available all year long, hot or iced. But the cinnamon, cloves, and other warm spices make it especially comforting during fall. It’s delicious with coconut milk, but you can have it made with any milk or alt-milk of your choice.
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Flavored Non-Dairy Creamer
Not only is pumpkin spice creamer already available in grocery stores, but there’s also a non-dairy version for the first time ever. Made with a blend of almond and oat milks, it promises to be just as creamy and spicy as the original. This may be the best option for those looking to find vegan fall Starbucks drinks options.
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Concentrate
Also new this year: this cold brew concentrate flavored with pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. All you have to do is dilute it a bit with water for an instant fall bev.
Starbucks Maple Pecan Flavored Coffee
For an at-home drink that isn’t pumpkin (gasp), we present this equally seasonal ground coffee with notes of maple and toasted pecan. Feeling those fall vibes yet? I thought so.
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